Definition
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare emergency condition that takes place when a tear forms in one of the blood vessels in the heart.
In spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, the layers of tissue of the artery wall separate and blood flows in between. The blood becomes trapped, causing a bulge in the wall that blocks the artery. In turn, blood flow to the heart is blocked so the occurrence of a heart attack, abnormalities in heart rhythm or sudden death is likely.
Spontaneous coronary arterydissection (SCAD) can occur at any age, though it tends to affect more individuals between the ages of 30 and 50.
In cases where an individual might experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Left untreated, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) can lead to sudden death.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) include:
- Chest pain
- A rapid heartbeat
- Pain in your arms, shoulders or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Unusual tiredness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Causes
The exact cause of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) remains unclear.
In spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, the inner layers of tissue of the artery wall separate from the outer layers and blood flows in between. The blood becomes trapped, causing pressure that can make a short tear last much longer as well as the formation of a blood clot. In turn, blood flow to the heart is slowed or blocked entirely, causing a heart attack and possibly sudden death.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) include the following:
- Being female (more common in women than in men)
- Giving birth
- Having Fibromuscluar dysplasia (a condition that causes abnormal growth of cells in the artery walls)
- Having blood vessel problems
- Having inherited connective tissue diseases
- Having high blood pressure
- Working out intensely
- Using illegal drugs such as cocaine
Complications
A possible complication that can arise from spontaneous coronary artery dissection includes:
- Reoccurrence of the condition, in spite of successful treatment
Treatment
The main focus on treatment for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is to repair the tear in the amaged artery and restore blood flow to the heart. Treatment options depend on the size of the tear in the artery, its location as well as an individual’s overall health.
Treatment options include:
- Blood-thinning drugs: Drugs that help decrease the number of blood-clotting platelets in the blood and reduce the risk of a blood clot formations.
- Blood pressure drugs: Drugs used to treat high blood pressure and reduce the pressure in the damaged artery.
- Coronary angioplasty and stent placement: A surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a tube (catheter) into a blocked artery in the heart. A metal stent is further inserted into the artery in order to keep it open and allow blood flow to be restored to the heart.
- Coronary artery bypass: A surgical procedure that involves removing a blood vessel from another area of the body, such as the leg and stitching it in a place at location beyond a blocked or narrowed coronary artery (bypassing the narrowed section) in order to restore blood flow to the heart.
After treatment, a doctor may recommend one of the following types of care remedies to help make a full recovery and prevent further health complications:
- Cardiac rehabilitation: A program that follows specific exercises as well as educational and emotional support designed to help an individual recover from a serious heart condition.
- Consulting with a genetic counselor about family medical history
- Getting regular medical examinations after surgery to look for an abnormal changes in the blood vessels that might present themselves
